GOPHERS OFFENSE VS.
SPARTANS DEFENSE
The Gophers rushed for 353 yards in last year's 43-24 victory over San Jose State, and they will try imposing their will again Saturday. Auburn rushed for 358 yards and passed for only 135 in its 46-point victory over the Spartans two weeks ago. The Gophers could win without having to pass much. Advantage: Gophers
SPECIAL TEAMS
San Jose State WR Tyler Ervin has four career touchdowns on kickoff returns. He also had a 75-yard TD reception against Auburn. Advantage: Spartans
PLAYER TO WATCH
San Jose State QB Blake Jurich won't be confused with David Fales, who passed for 439 yards and three touchdowns against the Gophers last year. Jurich completed 22 of 25 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns against North Dakota, but tossed two interceptions and took four sacks against Auburn.
THE OPPONENT
San Jose State went 6-6 last year. Besides Fales, coach Ron Caragher also had to replace two standout receivers. The defense gave up 35.1 points per game, so Caragher hired Greg Robinson, the former Broncos defensive coordinator.
GOPHERS DEFENSE VS.
SPARTANS OFFENSE
Jurich suffered a forearm injury against Auburn but has had two weeks to heal. The Spartans are more of a running team this year, and their top two running backs return for this game. Jarrod Lawson is back from a two-game suspension, and Thomas Tucker has been out because of a foot injury. Advantage: Gophers
INTANGIBLES
The Gophers expect a big crowd, which should keep them focused on this game and not next week's trip to Michigan. Advantage: Gophers
PREDICTION
Mitch Leidner gets a week to heal, and Chris Streveler notches one rushing TD and one passing TD in his first career start. Gophers 31, San Jose State 23
